RU2508212C2 - Automotive gearshift device and method of gear shifting - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: transport.

SUBSTANCE: proposed method comprises steps whereat new gear is thrown in when engine rpm does not yet reach the predefined magnitude. Engine rpm is controlled to reach preset magnitude. At a time, torque at clutch is controlled to define prevailing torque when clutch slip terminates. Engine torque is controlled proceeding from torque at clutch. Proposed device comprises means to throw new gear in on gear shifting, means to control engine rpm, means to control prevailing torque at clutch and means to control engine torque proceeding from torque at clutch. Vehicle comprises engine and automated mechanical transmission with above described device.

EFFECT: higher efficiency of gear shifting.

12 cl, 6 dwg

Description

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a gear shift method in a vehicle comprising an engine and an automated mechanical transmission comprising a clutch and a gearbox. The present invention also relates to a computer program and a computer program product comprising computer program code for implementing the method of the present invention. The invention also relates to a device for shifting gears in a vehicle and to a vehicle equipped with such a device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In some modern vehicles, the gears are shifted by automatically controlling the torque of the vehicle engine so that the vehicle reaches a predetermined speed at the appropriate torque. The engine torque is controlled based on stored information that indicates how the engine torque should be raised to engage specific gears. The vehicle clutch is normally closed during the gear shift procedure. When the set speed is reached, gear shifting may occur. Thus, the torque of the vehicle engine is controlled throughout the gear shift procedure.

The disadvantage of the above method of gear shifting in a vehicle is the relatively long time for which a given speed is reached, in particular when a large number of gear shifts are performed. The time it takes the gearshift procedure from the moment when the engine speed starts to change until the set speed is reached and the new gear is engaged in the gearbox is critical, because too long a time can lead to undesirable consequences, for example, to slow down the vehicle on the rise or to acceleration on the descent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and advantageous method for shifting gears in a vehicle transmission.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an improved method, device and computer program for shifting gears in a vehicle’s transmission.

Another objective of the invention is the creation of a method, device and computer program to obtain a more error-resistant procedure for shifting gears in a vehicle’s transmission.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a method, device and computer program to obtain a more time-efficient gear shifting procedure in a vehicle transmission.

These goals are achieved by a gear shift method in a vehicle comprising an engine and an automated mechanical transmission comprising a clutch according to claim 1.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a shift method in a vehicle comprising an engine and an automated mechanical transmission comprising a clutch and a gearbox. The method comprises the steps of a gear shift procedure in which:

control the torque on the clutch to enable gear shifting before the desired engine speed is reached; and

when the clutch stops slipping, control the engine torque based on the torque on the clutch.

There is an opportunity to tightly adjust the engine speed after switching on a new gear in the gearbox before it stops slipping. After connection, the clutch closes completely, thereby preventing unwanted slipping of the clutch. Thus, according to the present invention, the engine speed is controlled during the gear shift procedure, and not the torque, as is currently done according to the prior art.

Controlling the engine speed during the gearshift procedure while simultaneously controlling the torque on the clutch instead of controlling the engine torque allows you to speed up the gearshift procedure.

According to one aspect of the present invention, engine torque control begins essentially when the clutch stops slipping after shifting. After the clutch closes, a value is calculated that represents the prevailing torque in the gearbox. The engine torque is controlled based on this calculated value, which represents the prevailing torque in the gearbox.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a reliable gear shift algorithm in a vehicle transmission is achieved.

The method is simple to implement in existing vehicles. Shift software in the vehicle transmissions of the present invention can be installed in the vehicle control unit during vehicle manufacture. The buyer of the vehicle, therefore, may be able to choose the work of such a method as an option. Alternatively, software containing program code for executing an innovative method of shifting gears in a vehicle’s transmissions can be installed in a vehicle control unit in an upgrade order at a service station, in which case the software can be loaded into a memory of a control unit. Thus, the implementation of this innovative method is cost-effective, in particular, since it does not require the installation of additional sensors or operational means on the vehicle. The necessary hardware in the vehicle is already available. Thus, the present invention provides a cost-effective solution to the above problems.

Software containing program code for shifting gears in a vehicle’s transmission can be easily adapted or replaced. In addition, the various parts of the software that contains the program code for shifting gears in the vehicle’s transmissions can be replaced independently of one another. This modular configuration is advantageous in terms of maintenance.

The method may comprise the step of controlling the torque of the clutch in a predetermined manner. The torque on the clutch can be controlled indirectly by controlling the position of the clutch. It should be noted that according to one embodiment of the adjustment of the torque control of the clutch in a predetermined manner can be carried out in real time.

The method may include controlling the engine torque so that control of this engine torque begins at a level corresponding to the prevailing torque in the clutch when clutch slipping has stopped after engaging a new gear in the gearbox.

The method may include a stage in which, after stopping slipping, the clutch controls the engine torque in a predetermined manner. It should be noted that according to one embodiment of the adjustment of the torque control of the clutch in a predetermined manner can be carried out in real time.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for shifting gears in an automated mechanical transmission comprising a clutch and a gearbox, the device comprising a motor for driving the drive wheels through said transmission. The device comprises means for controlling the torque on the clutch during the gear shifting procedure to enable gear shifting before the desired engine speed is reached (220). The device also includes means for controlling engine torque when the clutch has stopped slipping based on the torque on the clutch.

Advantageous options are described in dependent claims 6-8.

The above objectives are also achieved by using a vehicle comprising a gear shifter according to Claim 9. The vehicle may be a truck, passenger car or bus.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a computer program proposed for performing a gear shift in a vehicle’s transmission comprises program code stored on a computer-readable medium so that the electronic control unit performs the steps of one of claims 1-4. According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program product comprising program code stored on a computer-readable medium for performing method steps according to any one of claims 1 to 4, when the computer program runs on an electronic control unit.

Other objectives, advantages and new features of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and from the practice of the invention. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the specific details of the following description. Specialists having access to the present description, understand other applications, modifications and applications in other areas that are included in the scope of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its other objectives and advantages, the following description provides links to the attached drawings, in which like parts are denoted by like reference numerals and where:

1 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a subsystem for the vehicle of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a gear shifting procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4a is a sequence diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4b is a more detailed sequence diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a schematic illustration of a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

1 shows a side view of a vehicle 100. An exemplary vehicle 100 includes a tractor unit 110 and a semi-trailer 112. The vehicle may be a heavy vehicle, such as a truck or a bus. Alternatively, the vehicle may be a car.

The term "channel" in the present description means a communication channel, which can be a physical connection, for example an optoelectronic communication line, or a non-physical channel, for example a wireless connection, for example a radio channel or a microwave channel.

Figure 2 shows the subsystem 299 of the vehicle 100. The subsystem 299 is located on the tractor 110. The subsystem 299 has an engine 220 connected to a clutch 230. Engine 220 may be an internal combustion engine with any number of cylinders, such as 5 or 6 cylinders. The clutch 230 may be a double disc clutch. The clutch 230 is also connected to the gearbox 240 through the shaft 227. The gearbox 240 has an output shaft 245 connected to the main gear 250. The main gear 250 is connected to the first drive wheel 260a by the first half shaft 255a. The main gear is connected to the second drive wheel 260b by a second half shaft 255b. The engine 220 is configured to transmit power to the respective drive wheels 260a and 260b through a transmission comprising a shaft 225, a clutch 230, a gearbox 240, a shaft 245, a final drive 250 and half shafts 255a and 255b.

The transmission control unit 210 is configured to control the gearbox 240 via channel 218. The transmission control unit 210 is configured, for example, to perform any desired gear shift in the gearbox 240. The shift may be, for example, between the second gear and the third gear of the gearbox 240. Another gear shift may occur between the third gear and the fifth gear of the gearbox 240. Another shift can be carried out, for example, between the sixth gear and the third gear of the gearbox 240. The gear shift operation may include shifting between any two gears of the gearbox 240.

The transmission control unit 210 is also configured to control the clutch 230 through the channel 27. The transmission control unit 210 is configured to control the torque on the clutch 230 using an actuator such as a pneumatic means (not shown).

One or more sensors and actuators 242 are mounted on gearbox 240. At least one sensor 242 is configured to measure the prevailing speed in gearbox 240 and continuously send signals containing information about the prevailing speed in gearbox 240 to block 210 control the transmission through channel 243. At least one actuator 242 is configured to disengage and engage various gears in the gearbox for shifting gears in accordance with the desire of the driver or in response to commands from control programs stored in the transmission control unit 210.

The engine control unit 200 is configured to communicate with the transmission control unit 210 through a channel 215. The engine control unit 200 may be detachably connected to the first control unit 210. The engine control unit 200 may alternatively be configured to communicate with the transmission control unit 210 over the vehicle’s internal network.

The engine control unit 200 is configured to control the torque Te of the engine 220. According to an embodiment of the invention, the torque Te is the torque on the flywheel (not shown) of the engine 220. The engine control unit 200 is configured to control the torque Te of the engine 220 based on requests the driver. Alternatively, the engine control unit 200 is configured to control the torque Te of the engine 220 based on, for example, automatically requested torque.

One or more sensors 222 are configured to measure the prevailing engine speed 220 and continuously send signals containing information about the prevailing engine speed to the engine control unit 220 via channel 223.

3 is a schematic diagram showing a gear shifting procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention. The diagram shows three curves representing how the torque Te of the engine 220 is rotational speed in rpm. the engine 220 and the torque Tc on the clutch 240 vary over time.

At time t3a, during the gear shift procedure, the gear shift operation in the transmission of the vehicle 100 begins. Between time t3a and time t3b, the torque is linearly changed in a predetermined manner from the first level Te1 to the second level Te2. According to this example, Te2 is 0 Nm.

At any desired moment between t3a and t3b, the torque Tc also changes in a predetermined manner from the first level Tc1 to the second level Tc2. At the first level Tc1, the clutch 230 is fully engaged. At the second level Tc2, the clutch 230 is completely turned off, and slipping does not occur in the clutch 230.

Between the moments t3b and t3c, a change in the speed of the engine 220 is based on the torque Te of the engine 220. The moment t3c is any desired moment. The moment t3c is preferably located near the moment t3b, therefore, the period of time between the moments t3b and t3c should be relatively short. In this way, according to the present invention, a time-efficient gear shifting procedure is carried out.

At time t3c, a new gear is engaged in the gearbox. At time t3c, the torque Tc on the clutch 230 is controlled according to the present invention, so that the clutch 230 starts to slip. The slip process in the coupling 230 occurs between the time t3c and the moment t3d. In the interval between the moments t3c and t3d, the engine speed 220 is controlled.

According to one example, the engine speed at time t3d reaches a predetermined target rpm *, which is associated with the gear shift operation to be performed in the gear shift procedure. At time t3d, the clutch 230 stops slipping. According to one aspect of the present invention, the torque Tc on the clutch 230 varies linearly in the same way that the torque Te on the engine 220 according to the prior art changes after a new gear is engaged.

At time t3d, the prevailing torque Tc on the clutch 230 is determined. This can be done using programs recorded in the transmission control unit 210. The prevailing torque Tc on the clutch 230 is modeled so that it can be evaluated. At time t3d, the torque Te of engine 220 is started to be controlled. Immediately after time t3d, clutch 230 is engaged, thereby eliminating the possibility of slipping of clutch 230.

At time t3d, the rotational speed of engine 220 starts to change in the right direction in response to torque control Te of engine 220. According to an example, the torque Tc on the clutch 230 at time t3d is substantially 500 Nm. In accordance with this example, control of the engine torque Te starts at time t3d from a substantially corresponding moment, i.e. 500 Nm.

Between torque t3d and torque t3e, the engine torque Te varies in a predetermined manner. At time t3d, the clutch 230 is controlled so that the clutch 230 transmits maximum torque Tc. After t3d, clutch 230 transmits maximum torque Tc. At time t3e, the torque Te of engine 220 reaches the maximum possible value.

It should be noted that the transmission in the gearbox 240 is engaged before the engine speed 220 reaches a predetermined rpm * value. This is possible in automated mechanical transmissions where the clutch is controllable.

The above description is an example of an embodiment in which the transmission is engaged when the engine speed has been reduced to a predetermined value. The prevailing rpm then exceeds this setpoint after a new gear is engaged. Those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be applied during a gear shift procedure, where the gear is engaged when the engine speed is increased to a predetermined value. The prevailing rpm after engaging a new gear will be lower than the set speed.

FIG. 4 a is a sequence diagram of a gear shift method in a vehicle 100 comprising an engine 220 and an automated mechanical transmission including a gear box 240 and a clutch 230, according to an embodiment of the invention. The method comprises a first step s401, comprising the steps of a gear shifting procedure, in which:

- control the torque of the clutch to create the ability to change gears before the engine speed reaches a predetermined value; and

- when the clutch stops slipping, the engine torque is controlled based on the torque of the clutch. After step s401, the method ends.

FIG. 4b is a sequence diagram of a gear shifting method in a vehicle 100 comprising an engine 220 and an automated mechanical transmission including a gearbox 240 and a clutch 230, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The method comprises a first step s410, comprising the step of engaging in a new gear at any desired time during the gear shift procedure when the engine rpm has not yet reached a predetermined predetermined value rpm *. After step s410, step s420 follows.

At step s420, the engine speed is controlled so that it reaches a predetermined value, and at the same time, the torque Tc on the clutch 230 is controlled. After step s420, step s430 follows.

At step s430, when the slipping of the clutch during the gear shift procedure is completed, the prevailing torque Tc on the clutch 230 is determined. Step s430 is followed by step s440.

At step s440, the clutch 230 is closed. Step s440 is followed by step s450.

At step s450, the rotational speed of the engine 220 is started to be controlled by controlling the torque rather than the rotational speed, based on the prevailing prevailing torque Tc on the clutch 230. Step s450 is followed by step s460.

At step s460, the torque Tc of the engine 220 is controlled in a predetermined linear fashion. After step s460, the method ends.

5 is a diagram of an embodiment of a device 500. The control units 200 and 210 described above with reference to FIG. 2 comprise an apparatus 500 in an embodiment of the present invention. The device 500 comprises a non-volatile memory 520, a data processing unit 510, and a random access memory 550 The non-volatile storage device 520 comprises a first storage element 530 in which a computer program, such as an operating system, is stored for controlling the functions of the control units 200, 210. The device 500 further comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, input / output means, an analog-to-digital converter, a date and time input and transmission unit, an event counter, and an interrupt controller (not shown). Non-volatile storage device 520 also has a second storage element 540.

A computer program P is proposed that includes subroutines for shifting gears in a vehicle 100 comprising an engine 220 and an automated mechanical transmission including a clutch 230 and a gearbox 240. Program P contains routines for controlling the engine 220, raising its speed to a predetermined value rpm *. This step of the method may be any desired step. Program P contains routines for controlling the torque Tc on the clutch 230 to allow gear shifting before the desired speed is reached, and when the slipping of the clutch 230 is completed, to control the torque Te of the engine 220 based on the torque Tc on clutch 230. The program P can be stored in an executable format or in an archive format in a storage device 560 and / or in a random access memory 550.

If it is indicated that the data processing unit 510 performs a specific function, this means that it performs a specific part of the program that is stored in the storage device 560, or a certain part of the program that is stored in the random access memory 550.

The data processing device 510 may communicate with the information port 599 via the data bus 515. Non-volatile storage device 520 is designed to communicate with data processing device 510 via data bus 512. A separate storage device 560 is configured to communicate with a data processing device 510 via a data bus 511. Random access memory 550 is in communication with data processing device 510 via data bus 514. For example, channels 215, 217, and 243 can be connected to port 599 (see FIG. 2).

When the port 599 receives the data, it is temporarily stored in the second storage element 540. When the received data is input into the storage device, the data processing unit 510 is ready to execute codes in the form described above. According to an embodiment of the invention, the signals received by port 599 contain information about the prevailing torque on the clutch 230 when the slip of the clutch 230 has ended after the gear is engaged in the gearbox 240. In one embodiment, the signals received by port 599 contain information about the prevailing engine speed 220 and / or the prevailing engine speed in the gearbox 240. The signals received by port 599 can be used by device 500 to perform an innovative method.

Parts of the method described above can be performed by device 500 using a data processing unit 510 that runs on a program stored in memory 560 and / or in random access memory 550. When device 500 executes a program, the above procedures are performed.

The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided to illustrate and describe the invention. The description is not exhaustive and does not limit the present invention to the described options. Many possible modifications and options are obvious to specialists. The described options were selected primarily to explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application and, therefore, so that specialists can understand the present invention in its various variants and modifications.

Claims (12)

1. The method of gear shifting in a vehicle (100, 110) comprising an engine (220) and an automated mechanical transmission comprising a clutch (230) and a gearbox (240), characterized in that it comprises steps during the gear shift procedure which include a new gear (s410) when the engine speed (220) has not yet reached a predetermined value (rpm *), control the engine speed (s420) of the engine (220) so that it reaches a predetermined value (rpm *), and at the same time control (s420) torque (TC) on the clutch e (230) of the clutch, determine (s430) the prevailing torque (Tc) on the clutch (230) when the clutch stops slipping, and then control (s450) the torque (Te) of the engine (220) based on the torque ( Tc) on the clutch (230). 2. The method according to claim 1, comprising the step of controlling (s420) the torque (Tc) on the clutch (230) in a predetermined manner. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the step of controlling (s450) the engine torque (Te) (220) so that the engine torque control (Te) starts at a level that corresponds to the prevailing torque (Tc) on the clutch (230) when the slipping of the clutch (230) has ended after engaging a new gear in the gearbox (240). 4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the step of controlling (s450) the torque (Te) of the engine (220) in a predetermined manner after the clutch (230) stops slipping. 5. The method according to claim 3, comprising the step of controlling (s450) the torque (Te) of the engine (220) in a predetermined manner after the clutch (230) stops slipping. 6. A device for shifting gears in an automated mechanical transmission comprising a clutch (230) clutch and a gear box (240), the device comprising a motor (220) for driving the drive wheels (260a, 260b) through this transmission, characterized in that it contains means (200, 210, 500) for engaging a new gear during the gear shift procedure, when the engine speed (rpm) of the engine (220) has not reached a predetermined rotation speed (rpm *), means (200, 210, 500) for controlling engine speed (220) so as to bring e to a predetermined value (rpm *), and for simultaneously controlling the torque (Tc) on the clutch (230), means (200, 210, 500) for controlling the prevailing torque (Tc) on the clutch (230) when the clutch stop slipping, and means (200, 210, 500) for controlling the torque (Te) of the engine (220) based on the torque (Tc) on the clutch. 7. The device according to claim 6, containing means (200, 210, 500) for controlling the torque (TC) on the clutch in a predetermined manner. 8. The device according to claim 6 or 7, containing means (200, 210, 500) for controlling the engine torque (Te) (220) in such a way that the engine torque control (Te) starts at a level that corresponds to the prevailing torque (Tc) on the clutch (230) when the slip of the clutch is over. 9. The device according to claim 6 or 7, containing means (200, 210, 500) for controlling the torque (Te) of the engine (220) in a predetermined manner after the slip of the clutch (230) is completed. 10. The device according to claim 8, comprising means (200, 210, 500) for controlling the torque (Te) of the engine (220) in a predetermined manner after the slip of the clutch (230) is completed. 11. A vehicle (100, 110) comprising a device according to any one of claims 6 to 10. 12. The vehicle (100, 110) according to claim 11, which is a lorry, a bus or a car.

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